User experience (UX) and search engine optimisation (SEO) have become inseparable allies. Google doesn’t just reward keyword-stuffed content anymore—it values websites that provide seamless, enjoyable user experiences. Fail to deliver a user-friendly site, and your rankings will plummet faster than a clunky, slow-loading page.
Here’s a look at the common UX mistakes tanking your search rankings and, more importantly, how to fix them.
1. Slow Page Load Speeds
First impressions count, and nothing makes visitors bounce faster than a page that takes forever to load. Google’s Core Web Vitals emphasise page load speed as a ranking factor, so you’ll be losing ground if your site’s sluggish.
How to Fix It:
- Compress images and use modern formats like WebP.
- Enable browser caching.
- Use a content delivery network (CDN) to distribute content efficiently.
- Minimise JavaScript and CSS.
2. Poor Mobile Responsiveness
With over half of global website traffic coming from mobile devices, a site that doesn’t adapt to different screen sizes is a disaster. Google’s mobile-first indexing means your mobile site is what gets ranked—not the desktop version.
How to Fix It:
- Use responsive design frameworks.
- Test your site on multiple devices.
- Ensure clickable elements are large enough and properly spaced.
3. Confusing Navigation
If users can’t find what they’re looking for, they’ll leave—and Google will take notice. A confusing or poorly structured navigation menu frustrates visitors and damages your rankings.
How to Fix It:
- Keep navigation simple and intuitive.
- Use clear labels for menu items.
- Include a search bar.
- Organise content hierarchically.
4. Annoying Pop-ups and Intrusive Ads
Nothing kills user experience faster than being bombarded with pop-ups or ads that block content. Google penalises intrusive interstitials, particularly on mobile.
How to Fix It:
- Use pop-ups sparingly and ensure they’re easy to close.
- Time pop-ups so they don’t appear immediately.
- Avoid ads that disrupt the content flow.
5. Unreadable Text and Poor Typography
If your text is hard to read, users won’t stick around. Small fonts, poor colour contrast, and cluttered layouts hurt both user experience and search rankings.
How to Fix It:
- Choose a clean, legible font.
- Ensure adequate contrast between text and background.
- Use proper line spacing and paragraph breaks.
6. Broken Links and 404 Errors
Nothing says “neglect” like a bunch of broken links. They frustrate users and signal to Google that your site isn’t well-maintained.
How to Fix It:
- Regularly audit your site for broken links.
- Redirect 404 errors to relevant pages.
- Use tools like Google Search Console to monitor crawl errors.
7. Overwhelming Content Blocks
Long walls of text without proper formatting are intimidating and difficult to digest. Users will bounce, and your rankings will suffer.
How to Fix It:
- Break up content with headings, bullet points, and images.
- Keep paragraphs short.
- Use visual elements to support key points.
8. Lack of Clear CTAs (Calls to Action)
If users don’t know what action to take, they’ll leave your site without engaging further.
How to Fix It:
- Place clear and compelling CTAs throughout your site.
- Use action-oriented language.
- Ensure CTAs stand out visually.
9. Ignoring Accessibility
Accessibility isn’t just good for users—it’s essential for SEO. Google values inclusive design, and so should you.
How to Fix It:
- Use descriptive alt text for images.
- Ensure keyboard navigation is possible.
- Follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
10. Neglecting Internal Linking
Internal links guide users through your site and help search engines understand the structure of your content. Without them, your site loses its SEO mojo.
How to Fix It:
- Link to relevant pages within your content.
- Use descriptive anchor text.
- Maintain a logical site structure.
Your website isn’t just a digital brochure—it’s a key player in your SEO strategy. By fixing these common UX mistakes, you’ll not only create a better experience for your visitors but also improve your search rankings. And as the web design experts at Portside note, “A seamless user experience isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a competitive advantage in the search landscape.”